Cut your heating bills for Big Energy Week

16 - 21 January is Big Energy Week. Find out more about the Week, and how you can reduce your heating and energy bills.

With rising fuel bills stretching household finances, people are looking for ways to save money on their energy bills.

To help consumers spend less on heating their home,  Citizens Advice is coordinating an advice campaign called Big Energy Week (16-21 January 2012) which will see thousands of people across the country get practical help and advice to cut their fuel bills and get all the financial support they are entitled to.

Big Energy Week is supported by consumer organisations such as Consumer Focus and Which?, charities, the Government, energy suppliers and switching websites.

Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age UK, commented: 'With 4.8 million older people living in fuel poverty in the UK, it is crucial that those who are struggling get access to the help and support they are entitled to.

'Age UK provides comprehensive information and advice through our national advice line and website, as well as helping with the practical implementation of energy saving advice in people's homes through our Handyperson services. We also work with our local partners to offer older people face-to-face advice on accessing benefits, and offering hundreds of older people the chance to learn how to get online and take advantage of potential savings.'

The problem of rising energy bills

In the four years to December 2011, the annual electricity bill increased by 40% and the gas bill by 69%.

To tackle this issue, Michelle Mitchell said the following steps are necessary:

• Energy providers must support people to reduce bills through initiatives such as the Warm Homes Discount, and Government must ensure that the Cold Weather Payment and Winter Fuel Payment remain at adequate levels
• Energy companies need to provide a wider choice of direct debit options to help people to avoid going overdrawn unexpectedly, and those facing fuel debt should be signposted early to sources of help and information
• Pricing must be fair and clear, which is why Age UK welcomes OFGEM's decision to require simpler energy tariffs and look to them to ensure that the energy market is fair for all, including single-person households.

For further information and advice from Age UK on reducing your energy bills call us on 0800 169 65 65 or read our free information online